Letter – Henry Richmond to Walter Blackett – 3 Dec 1770

To Sir Wr Blackett  Bt.  M.P.  in Half                                  Newcas.   3  Decr 1770

Moon Street,  Piccadilly, 

                 London



Honrd. Sir      Last week I was at Wallington receiving your Rents which the Tenants paid up very well Except as usual Geo Tweddle, the Clarks & J Spearman.  J Aynsley paid only £20  he has signed a Request that you will release him of the house & farm at Whitsuntide next.

     I could not get any Accot. of WhiskerShield further thant that it does adjoin your Estate and that the Owner of it asks £2000 more than it is worth.  but Mr Forster will judge of that when the Snow is gone.  If he should come to reasonable Terms still there will be a difficulty about raising the Money for it is as much as I can do to keep, as the Oeconomical proverb says, the Wheel band in the Nick.

    I shall send the four Wallington pine Apples, with two from the hothouse here, by the Coach on Wednesday morning.   The Servants here got only their Frock Suits in June last so the Taylor has taken to day the Cloth etc for their Livery Suits and also for George Watson’s, whose measure he has.

    I am glad the Bishop of Chester will act so friendly a part, No one can so properly make the Representation, to his Successor, of the Nature and Circumstances of this Tithe Ore as he can.  I think the Composition, when it comes to be treated about, shod. only be made for the joint lives of the Bishop and Rector; or their Continuance in their respective Benefice.  For by both Compositions expiring together you will be clear of much perplexity about working the Mines & much inconvenience and perhaps Law in delivering either of the Dues separately, which might occasion the old question to arise, which was to be drawn first?  This the Bishop of Chester no doubt remembers was a disagreeable Circumstance attending the taking the Ore in kind.  I shall endeavour to see the Agents for the Fishery Bill when they come to Newcastle - inclosed is a Copy of a Letter I received from Messrs. <Borcham> and Douglas & shall wait your directions what answer to give them.  When I was at Wallington poultry was ordered to be brought in directly & Beef pork etc will be brought here next Saturday.  Your Arrival here in Health will be a most agreeable Thing to all your Friends and to  etc    HR



P.S  The Lead Mine pays are to be next week amounting to above £20000 - the Ore has cost near £50 a Bing, so there will be little profit even at the present price of £14 a fother & if there shod. be War I fear Lead will be lower.